September 16, 2025
Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver
Pat Bryant played just four offensive snaps in Week 1, but he logged two catches for 18 yards on three targets in Week 2. 10 different Broncos players recorded a reception in Week 2, so this could be a difficult group of pass-catchers for fantasy managers to evaluate outside of clear WR1
Courtland Sutton. A third-round pick out of Illinois, Bryant earned some preseason buzz for his performance in training camp. The 22-year-old looks like the WR4 in Denver behind Sutton,
Troy Franklin, and
Marvin Mims Jr. for now, and likely isn't worth rostering in redraft leagues in the immediate. However, Bryant is a name to monitor and could be worth stashing in the very deepest of league formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
September 16, 2025
Chicago Cubs first baseman
Michael Busch had an extremely productive night in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Busch led off the game with his 29th home run of the season and didn't stop there, finishing 3-for-4 with an additional run scored and a walk. The 29-year-old has put together a very strong season in his second year with Chicago, slashing .259/.337/.498 with an .835 OPS. The lefty has picked up nine hits in his last six games and is heating up at the right time for a Cubs team looking to make a strong push in the playoffs.
--Julian BrookeSource: MLB.com
September 16, 2025
Heading into Week 2, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver
Marquise Brown was a popular waiver-wire target following his 16-target, 10-catch performance in Week 1. Even with top Chiefs wideouts
Xavier Worthy (shoulder) and
Rashee Rice (suspension) sidelined in Week 2, Brown was not nearly as prolific against the Philadelphia Eagles, finishing with five receptions for 30 yards. Early indications are that Worthy could return for Kansas City's Week 3 matchup against the New York Giants, which could limit Brown's target volume even further. Still, the 28-year-old looks like the Chiefs' clear WR2 until Rice is eligible to return in Week 7. Brown profiles as a WR4/low-end flex option in Week 3, although his outlook would improve if Worthy misses another game.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
September 16, 2025
Tennessee Titans running back
Tyjae Spears (ankle) suffered a high ankle sprain in preseason action and was placed on Injured Reserve before the start of the regular season. Given the nature of Spears' injury, he may be able to return as soon as he is eligible in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. The Titans have been a one-man show at running back so far this season, with
Tony Pollard having logged 38 of the team's 40 rush attempts by running backs through the team's first two games. However, this was not the case down the stretch of 2024, when Spears logged double-digit touches in each of the final three games he played. Spears finished the 2024 season with 536 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns across 12 games and should have a consistent role in the Titans' offense once healthy in 2025. In fantasy leagues where he is available, Spears is a worthy stash in an IR spot ahead of his impending return.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
September 16, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder
Anthony Santander (shoulder) has served as the designated hitter in all four games of his Triple-A rehab stint with the Buffalo Bisons as he works back from a left shoulder injury. The 30-year-old has been on the injured list since May 30 but hopes to rejoin the Blue Jays before the end of the season. Santander has struggled in his first year with Toronto, slashing .179/.273/.304 after arriving from the Baltimore Orioles. There was speculation that he attempted to play through injury earlier in the year, so this extended break could provide a needed reset. A healthy Santander would give the Blue Jays a much-needed boost as they look to push deep into October.
--Julian BrookeSource: MLB.com
September 16, 2025
Atlanta Braves southpaw
Jose Suarez (2-0) worked seven strong innings in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Washington Nationals. The 27-year-old struck out nine while allowing two runs on five hits and two walks, earning the victory. It was his first start of the season after three relief appearances for the Braves. Suarez now owns a 2.51 ERA and 1.19 WHIP as he continues to find his groove with his new team. This latest outing should spark optimistic conversations about his role on the pitching staff as he builds on his early success and proves he can handle a larger workload.
--Julian BrookeSource: MLB.com
September 16, 2025
San Francisco 49ers tight end
George Kittle (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury and was placed on Injured Reserve prior to Week 2. As a result, the 31-year-old will not play until at least Week 6, when San Francisco is set to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the 49ers' first game without Kittle in Week 2, tight ends
Luke Farrell and
Jake Tonges combined for six catches, 45 receiving yards, and a touchdown. Kittle's return timeline could coincide with returns for 49ers quarterback
Brock Purdy (toe) and wide receiver
Brandon Aiyuk (knee). That could mean that San Francisco's offense could be firing on all cylinders when it welcomes Kittle back to the lineup. For fantasy managers with an open IR spot, this could be an interesting time to try and buy low on Kittle.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
September 16, 2025
Seattle Mariners catcher
Cal Raleigh made history in Tuesday's matchup against the Kansas City Royals by hitting his 55th and 56th home runs of the season, passing Mickey Mantle for the most home runs by a switch-hitter in a single year. Mantle's mark stood for more than six decades before Raleigh surpassed it with his latest power display. The 28-year-old slugger leads the majors in home runs and is firmly in the American League MVP conversation. Raleigh is slashing .248/.362/.592 with a .954 OPS in his fifth major league season and continues to launch baseballs with authority, providing the Mariners with a consistent source of power during their late-season push.
--Julian BrookeSource: MLB.com
September 16, 2025
Houston Texans wide receiver
Tank Dell (knee) suffered a gruesome knee injury in December 2024, dislocating his knee and tearing his ACL, MCL, and LCL. The 25-year-old wideout was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list in August, meaning he is not eligible to return until Week 5. The most likely scenario remains that Dell will be out far longer than that. Given the timing of his 2024 injury, it would not be surprising if Dell does see any game action in 2025. Dell is worth stashing for future production in dynasty leagues, but he should not be on the radar of redraft fantasy managers unless there is a significant change in his return status.
--Will BradySource: USA Today - Jack McKessy
September 16, 2025
Atlanta Braves outfielder
Ronald Acuna Jr. delivered three hits in Tuesday's 6-3 victory over the Washington Nationals, going 3-for-4 with a walk. All three hits were singles, marking his third multi-hit effort in his last seven games. After a sluggish opening to September, Acuna has found some rhythm at the plate and is now slashing .281/.403/.498 in his eighth major league season. The 27-year-old missed most of last year with a torn ACL, but he is steadily building a strong campaign to regain his elite form. Acuna's recent surge is a bright spot for a Braves club that has struggled to stay consistent and remains outside serious postseason contention.
--Julian BrookeSource: MLB.com
September 16, 2025
Seattle Seahawks running back
Kenneth Walker III acknowledged that
Zach Charbonnet is expected to continue splitting the backfield with him. Through two games, Charbonnet has outsnapped Walker (56% to 38%) and handled more carries (27 to 23). Head coach Mike MacDonald reinforced that approach, saying, "We're playing the long game. We want both backs to play the whole year." Walker also stated that he's buying into the committee approach to preserve his health. "I believe we have two great backs." Walker's history of injuries is expanding, as he missed six games in 2024 and multiple others earlier in his career. For fantasy purposes, Walker's upside is capped, and he should be valued as a high-end RB3 rather than his typical high-end RB2 profile.
--Nathan HarveySource: Gregg Bell - The News Tribune
September 16, 2025
Carolina Panthers wide receiver
Jalen Coker (quad) is expected to play a significant role in the team's passing attack once he returns from injury. The second-year receiver suffered a notable quad strain prior to the season and was placed on injured reserve. In his absence,
Hunter Renfrow has stepped into a larger role, playing 79% of the snaps through two weeks and catching seven passes on nine targets for 48 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2. While Renfrow has been serviceable, the Panthers view Coker as a core piece moving forward. Fantasy managers should consider stashing him ahead of his potential Week 6 return.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
September 16, 2025
New England Patriots rookie wide receiver
Kyle Williams has yet to carve out a meaningful role in the offense. Through the first two games of the season, the 2025 third-round pick has been on the field for just 13% of the team's snaps and has only one target to show for it. Williams has been buried on the depth chart behind veterans
Stefon Diggs,
Mack Hollins, and younger receivers
Kayshon Boutte and
DeMario Douglas, all of whom have earned more consistent playing time. Until his role grows, Williams holds little fantasy appeal and is droppable in most formats.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
September 16, 2025
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver
Jordan Addison will return from suspension in Week 4 when the team faces the Pittsburgh Steelers in London. Addison is serving the final game of his three-game suspension for offseason DUI charges. As a key piece of the Vikings' offense, Addison has posted 133 receptions for 1,786 yards and 19 touchdowns through his first 32 NFL games. However, his fantasy outlook has dipped with rookie quarterback
J.J. McCarthy battling inconsistency and a high-ankle sprain early in the season. Addison should be reinserted into lineups as a low-end FLEX option upon his return, with room for upside if McCarthy improves from under center.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
September 16, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver
Rashee Rice is expected to return to a full workload in Week 7 after serving his six-game suspension for reckless driving charges stemming from the 2024 offseason. In his three full games last year, Rice was highly efficient, catching 24 of 29 targets for 288 yards and two touchdowns. The Chiefs' passing attack has struggled in his absence, with
Patrick Mahomes currently sitting outside the top 15 in passing yards through two weeks. Rice's return should immediately boost the offense, making him a high-end WR2 in fantasy and providing Mahomes with a much-needed reliable weapon. His presence will likely cut into the target shares of
Travis Kelce and
Marquise Brown, though both will remain heavily involved.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
September 16, 2025
San Francisco 49ers legend Jerry Rice urged fans to temper expectations for wide receiver
Brandon Aiyuk (knee) earlier this offseason, noting, "It's going to take some time for him. I'd rely on those other guys to do most of the work and blend (Aiyuk) back in." Aiyuk is still recovering from the torn ACL and MCL he suffered in Week 7 of last season and has yet to resume practicing. In his absence, the 49ers have started 2-0 with steady contributions from
Jauan Jennings and rookie
Ricky Pearsall. With no firm return timeline, Aiyuk remains an uncertain fantasy asset and should not be counted on for meaningful production in 2025.
--Nathan HarveySource: Cam Inman
September 16, 2025
Miami Dolphins quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa bounced back statistically in Week 2, completing 26 of 32 passes for 315 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the loss to the New England Patriots. While he topped 300 passing yards, he was sacked five times and sealed the defeat with a late fourth-quarter interception. Tagovailoa now faces the Buffalo Bills on a short week, a matchup that has consistently given him trouble. He has lost five straight starts against Buffalo, posting seven touchdowns and five interceptions during that span. With Miami's offensive line struggling to protect him, Tagovailoa is best left on fantasy benches in Week 3.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
September 16, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 3 against the New England Patriots. Highsmith suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 2 loss to Seattle, and there was initial concern he might land on injured reserve. With the Steelers in London in Week 4 and a bye the following week, Highsmith will likely return in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns. Highsmith has been a key piece of Pittsburgh's pass rush opposite T.J. Watt, and his absence leaves a significant void. Third-year linebacker Nick Herbig is expected to step into a starting role, with rookie Jack Sawyer also likely to see increased snaps in the rotation. For fantasy and matchup purposes, this is a slight boost for Patriots quarterback
Drake Maye, who won't have to deal with the Steelers' full-strength edge duo on Thursday night.
--Nathan HarveySource: Gerry Dulac
September 16, 2025
Cleveland Browns rookie running back
Dylan Sampson was listed as the No. 2 back on the Week 3 depth chart, slotting in ahead of veteran
Jerome Ford but behind second-round pick
Quinshon Judkins. However, the usage tells a different story. In last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Ford played 49% of the snaps compared to just 24% for Sampson, suggesting the coaching staff still trusts the veteran on passing downs. It's unclear whether the updated depth chart reflects a genuine shift or is more of a formality, but for fantasy purposes, Sampson managers should be cautious. With the Browns set to face the red-hot Green Bay Packers defense in Week 3, Sampson is highly unlikely to make a fantasy impact and is best left on benches in all formats.
--Nathan HarveySource: Cleveland Browns
September 16, 2025
Cleveland Browns running back
Quinshon Judkins has been listed as the team's starting back on this week's depth chart. The rookie played just 26% of the snaps in Week 2 but was effective with his touches, rushing 10 times for 66 yards in his NFL debut. Judkins signed his rookie deal shortly before Week 1 and eased into action against the Baltimore Ravens, but being elevated to the top of the depth chart is an encouraging sign for his role going forward. That said, Week 3 sets up as a tough spot. The Browns face the Green Bay Packers, who have been one of the league's stingiest defenses to start the season. With a negative game script possible, Judkins should be viewed as a low-end FLEX option in deeper leagues this week, though his long-term outlook is trending up.
--Nathan HarveySource: Cleveland Browns
September 16, 2025
Miami Dolphins wide receiver
Jaylen Waddle (shoulder) was limited in Tuesday's practice ahead of Thursday night's divisional matchup with the Buffalo Bills. Waddle wasn't listed on Monday's injury report, but his appearance Tuesday raises some concern given the short week. The former 1,000-yard receiver briefly exited Week 1 with a shoulder issue before returning, and while he found the end zone in Week 2 against New England, he finished third on the team in targets behind
Tyreek Hill and De'Von Achane. Waddle has also historically struggled against Buffalo's defense, putting up under 50 yards in their last three contests. With Miami's offense searching for rhythm and Waddle not at full strength, he profiles as more of a low-end FLEX option in Week 3.
--Nathan HarveySource: Marcel Louis-Jacques - ESPN
September 16, 2025
Boston Red Sox outfielder
Wilyer Abreu (calf) reported some soreness in his right calf after a recent heavy workload, according to manager Alex Cora. Abreu was feeling better on Tuesday, though, and is day-to-day to be activated from the 10-day injured list at some point this week, according to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. Although it's a bit of a setback for the 26-year-old, he's still expected to return during this week's series against the Athletics in Boston. Abreu has been out since mid-August with a right-calf strain, but he's nearing his return and should play regularly against right-handed pitching to close out the 2025 regular season in right field. The Venezuelan outfielder has already hit a career-high 22 home runs while driving in 69 and stealing six bases in 108 games in 2025 in his third MLB season.
Nate Eaton has been getting most of the starts of late in right field in Beantown against right-handed pitchers.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
September 16, 2025
Houston Texans wide receiver
Braxton Berrios (hamstring) is expected to return in Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars after missing the first two games of the season. Head coach DeMeco Ryans expressed optimism about his availability for the divisional matchup. The veteran slot receiver and return specialist, who previously spent time with the Jets and Dolphins, faces an uphill battle for snaps. With
Christian Kirk also on track to return and rookie
Jaylin Noel making noise in the return game, Berrios is buried on the depth chart. He should remain well off the fantasy radar in all formats.
--Nathan HarveySource: Aaron Wilson - KPRC2
September 16, 2025
Through two weeks of the 2025 campaign, Pittsburgh Steelers tight end
Jonnu Smith has caught nine passes for 42 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. While the production hasn't popped for fantasy yet, Smith's usage in his first year as a Steeler is encouraging. In addition to besting teammate
Pat Freiermuth in snaps and routes run, Smith is averaging three designed opportunities per game, the most of any tight end in the NFL. Pittsburgh's offense still needs to find its rhythm before Smith can be trusted every week, but he's firmly on the streaming radar. The ninth-year pro carries some PPR upside in Week 3 against the New England Patriots.
--Jorden HillSource: ESPN
September 16, 2025
Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (knee) speculates he could return before Thanksgiving. Overshown tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL in Week 14 of the 2024 season, a devastating injury that has kept him sidelined since. While the 2024 third-round pick has not yet resumed practicing, he's expressed optimism about his recovery and believes he'll be back on the field by late November. Overshown was one of the few bright spots on a struggling Cowboys defense last year, posting 90 tackles, five sacks, and two forced turnovers as a rookie. In his absence, veteran Kenneth Murray has been filling the void. Until a firmer return timeline is established, fantasy managers in IDP formats should treat Overshown as a stash with uncertain availability for the 2025 season.
--Nathan HarveySource: Joseph Hoyt - Dallas News
September 16, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders running back
Dylan Laube could be in line for a slight uptick in playing time this week against the Washington Commanders. Laube logged just 18% of the offensive snaps in the Week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers but managed to catch two passes for 17 yards, flashing the receiving skills that made him a standout in college. Head coach Pete Carroll suggested the team may work him in more on offense after limiting him almost exclusively to special teams in Week 1. For now, Laube remains buried on the depth chart behind
Ashton Jeanty and
Zamir White, leaving him without any immediate fantasy value. Still, the fact that the Raiders are looking to carve out a role for him in the passing game is a positive sign for his long-term outlook.
--Nathan HarveySource: Anthony Galaviz - The Fresno Bee
September 16, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) announced on social media on Tuesday that he had successful surgeries on his clavicle and foot. Reed had been dealing with a Jones fracture in his foot since late in training camp, but he played in the first two weeks of the season before fracturing his collarbone early in last Thursday night's win over the Washington Commanders. The 25-year-old has since been placed on Injured Reserve and was given an estimated timetable for a return of six to eight weeks. By the time Reed returns, there's a chance fellow wideout
Christian Watson (knee) will be back after he tore his ACL in Week 18 of last year. Reed is a stash candidate in pretty much all fantasy leagues, but Green Bay's receiving corps will be even more crowded when he makes his way back. In the meantime,
Romeo Doubs,
Dontayvion Wicks, and rookie first-rounder
Matthew Golden will operate in three-wide sets, while tight end
Tucker Kraft may continue to be quarterback
Jordan Love's top target.
--Keith HernandezSource: Jayden Reed on X
September 16, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop
Bo Bichette (knee) will miss the rest of the regular season, according to manager John Schneider. Bichette recently got a second opinion on his knee injury. It's significant enough to hold out Bichette for the final two weeks, but he could return for the postseason. The Jays are hopeful to get a first-round bye which would give Bichette an extended period of time to get ready to play again. However, Bichette still has a long way to go considering he hasn't resumed baseball activities yet. He can safely be dropped in all redraft formats at this point.
Andres Gimenez figures to continue getting a majority of the starts at shortstop down the stretch of the season.
--Andy WebbSource: Keegan Matheson
September 16, 2025
New York Yankees shortstop
Anthony Volpe (shoulder) is back in the starting lineup ahead of Tuesday's game against the Minnesota Twins. Volpe is returning to the field after missing each of the last six games due to a lingering shoulder injury. The Yankees have remained committed to Volpe at shortstop despite his struggles both at the plate and defensively this season. It's unclear if Volpe is going to be the long-term solution at shortstop, but for now he's going to remain the starter. He's not someone that must be rostered right now given his struggles. His power and speed give him some value, but he has been awful against right-handed pitching this season.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
September 16, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher
Trevor Megill (elbow) is scheduled to be re-evaluated after feeling soreness in his elbow following a batting practice session. The right-hander was cleared to face hitters last week but mentioned feeling elbow discomfort following the session. That being said, it doesn't sound like Megill is on the verge of returning to the Brewers bullpen. He has been on the shelf for nearly a month due to a right flexor strain. The Brewers have been using a committee approach of
Abner Uribe,
Jared Koenig, and
Aaron Ashby while Megill is out. Fantasy managers should check back on Wednesday for another update on Megill's status. However, it seems unlikely that he's going to offer much fantasy value down the stretch of the season.
--Andy WebbSource: Jack Stern
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